Manchester United reportedly offered an England World Cup star the chance to become their future captain, but ultimately decided against signing the player. After completing a deal to sign Atalanta’s Ederson, Michael Carrick is aiming to buy at least one more central midfielder this summer transfer window. That process is not going well, however, as their two top targets have decided to join rival clubs, with Matheus Fernandes heading to Tottenham and Elliot Anderson moving to Manchester City.
City confirms record-breaking signing
City confirmed the signing of Anderson from Nottingham Forest on Thursday, with the £116 million deal making him the most expensive British footballer of all time. The 23-year-old excelled in a struggling Forest side last season and quickly became a key player in Thomas Tuchel’s England team, starting every game for the Three Lions at the 2026 World Cup so far.
United's late enquiry and captaincy offer
United had long been linked with the midfielder and as negotiations with City appeared to stall, they made a late enquiry into signing him. During these talks with Anderson, The Athletic reports that the Red Devils suggested the player could even receive the honour of becoming club captain if he signed. While nothing was guaranteed, United believed Anderson would develop the leadership qualities required to follow in the footsteps of Bruno Fernandes, Carrick, Wayne Rooney, Gary Neville, and Roy Keane.
Decision to pull out
In the end, the Red Devils decided they could not justify spending the amount of money Forest were demanding and decided to pursue other targets. One of those targets was Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali but like Fernandes, the Italian is now on his way to Spurs. Also on Carrick’s shortlist are Bournemouth’s Alex Scott, who just missed out on a place in the England squad, and Real Madrid duo Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga.
Anderson is expected to be in England’s line-up again for the huge round of 16 clash against Mexico on Monday morning.
